Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 5 NHTSA variants

2023 Tesla Model YRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 17 safety recalls and 1,194 owner complaints for the 2023 Tesla Model Y. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (481) and steering (219). The EPA rates it 111–123 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
111–123mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
17campaigns
Latest Aug 2026
Owner complaints
1,194
Top: forward collision avoidance
Fuel cost / yr
$600est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

17 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Exterior lighting: headlights

Remedy pending

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Exterior lightingReported Aug 5, 2026NHTSA 26V507000

Back over prevention: software

Free remedy

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Back over preventionReported May 5, 2026NHTSA 26V283000

Steering: electric power assist system

Over-the-air fixFree remedy

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating software prior to 2023.38.4. The printed circuit board for the electronic power steering assist may experience an overstress condition, causing a loss of power steering assist when the vehicle reaches a stop and then accelerates again.

SteeringReported Feb 15, 2025NHTSA 25V092000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1,194 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2022 – Oct 2026
  1. Forward collision avoidance481
  2. Steering219
  3. Vehicle speed control168
  4. Service brakes152
  5. Suspension137
  6. Electrical system126
  7. Lane departure84
  8. Visibility/wiper61
  9. Wheels52

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Model Y model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2022874
20231,194
2024336
Crashes reported
157
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
87
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Forward collision avoidance

481 reports59 crashes
“I am reporting a serious safety-related malfunction involving my 2023 Tesla Model Y, which has approximately 55,000 miles. The incident involved multiple vehicle systems, including the front drive motor, propulsion system, traction control, stability control, steering assistance, and braking-related functions. Prior to the incident, I noticed a water-sloshing sound coming from underneath the vehicle, possibly near the rocker panels, following heavy rainfall. After driving for approximately five minutes and parking, I received multiple warning messages indicating that traction control, stability control, and automatic emergency braking were unavailable. Approximately two hours later, I returned to the vehicle, and the warnings had temporarily disappeared. However, about halfway through my next drive, multiple warnings suddenly reappeared, and the vehicle’s driving and braking behavior changed significantly. The regenerative braking stopped functioning, causing the vehicle to continue rolling when I released the accelerator instead of slowing down as expected. When I applied the brake pedal, I experienced unusual vibrations, increased braking effort, and abnormal…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 23, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11773222

Steering

219 reports32 crashes
“I was backing out of a parking spot and as I shifted to driving forward I heard a loud bang from the front driver's side wheel well. I got out to see what had happened, expecting a flat tire, but nothing visually appeared wrong. So I got back into the vehicle and started to drive away again, I could drive straight or turn left, but if I tried to turn right it made loud grinding noises. I slowly drove around the parking but quickly determined the vehicle was unsafe and undriveable at that point. Additionally, I found a large bolt on the ground near where I had driven the vehicle. I no longer have the bolt, because the service center kept it. I arranged to have the vehicle towed to a local Tesla Service Center where they discovered "the front left lower lateral link bolt was missing and the remaining bolt was loose". After having the vehicle repaired, I discovered that this exact issue has been documented and resulted in NHTSA Recall Campaign 22V895000 / Tesla Bulletin SB-22-31-002 (improperly torqued lateral link fasteners). I requested a refund for the towing and repair cost, but was told that there are no active recalls on my VIN. I believe the scope of the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 28, 2026Steering, SuspensionODI 11774296

Vehicle speed control

168 reports36 crashes
“The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and struck an occupied parked vehicle ahead. Upon shifting into Reverse (R), the failure recurred, causing the vehicle to strike the front bumper of a parked and unoccupied USPS truck, which then struck a parked, unoccupied vehicle. The contact engaged the electric parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the forward collision avoidance system failed to engage to prevent the collisions. The front driver's side air bag failed to deploy as expected. The vehicle sustained rear-end damage. The vehicle was towed to an auto collision center, where a superficial diagnostic inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that no failure was found. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a Tesla Service center and to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 30,616.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2026Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11771589
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
Electric motor
Transmissions
Automatic (A1)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Electricity
EV range
330 mi (EPA)

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Model Y AWD
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
129116123$600—
Model Y Long Range AWD
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
127117122$600—
Model Y Performance AWD
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
115106111$700—
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

4 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Tesla Model Y (All Variants) Later Release SUV AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
7.9%
Overall
5 / 5
Tesla Model Y (All Variants) SUV AWD Early Release
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
7.9%
Overall
5 / 5
Tesla Model Y RWD Early Release SUV RWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.7%
Overall
5 / 5
Tesla Model Y RWD Later Release SUV RWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
9.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 20056Vehicle 19946Vehicle 20083
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Tire rotation6,000–8,000 mi6–12 monthsEVs wear tires faster (weight, torque)
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–4 yearsRegen braking spares the pads, not the fluid
Battery coolantPer manualPer manualIntervals vary widely by maker
12V battery—3–5 years
  • Tire rotation6,000–8,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–4 years
  • Battery coolantPer manual
    Per manual
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2023 Model Y questions

How many recalls does the 2023 Tesla Model Y have?

17 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2023 Tesla Model Y problems?

Owners filed 1,194 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (481), steering (219), vehicle speed control (168). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2023 Tesla Model Y get?

The EPA rates the 2023 Tesla Model Y at 111–123 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

How safe is the 2023 Tesla Model Y?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Tesla Model Y 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026